Where is God in the midst of the storm? Who hasn't gone through severe trials and questioned His interest and involvement. Many can identify with Jesus on the cross as he echoed the Psalmist's words, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?" (Matthew 27:46).
Acts 27 records the perilous journey of the apostle Paul to Rome. His safety as well as that of his traveling companions is nothing short of a miracle. A horrific storm lasting at least two weeks caused indescribable anguish. One verse is especially descriptive: "Since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned." (Acts 27:20).
But God was in the midst of the storm. Paul declared, "I urge you to keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, saying, `Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.' Therefore, keep up your courage, men, for I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told." (Acts 27:22-25)
When things seemed darkest God intervened with a message of reassurance and hope. Resolute in faith, Paul offered confident reassurance to those who had gradually abandoned all hope of being saved.
This present age is a storm of increasing intensity. A pervading darkness has caused many to give up all hope of being saved. Assumed securities and comforts are being stripped away and the unsteady anchor which many have relied on is proving to be of little value.
Amidst the storm of this age comes a message of assurance for all who will believe. A new age is coming, full of hope and possibilities. The dead will live again, the crippled will run, the deaf will hear, the blind see. Unemployment and financial hardships will be forgotten concepts as all its citizens find meaningful and fulfilling roles in the government of Jesus the Christ.
We are the 'Pauls' of our age who are given a confident and reassuring message to all threatened by today's storms. All who believe and accept can embrace this hope and see the possibilities that exist beyond the storm.
God is in the midst of the storm. Embrace and declare your hope to a storm-weary world.
Steve
Acts 27 records the perilous journey of the apostle Paul to Rome. His safety as well as that of his traveling companions is nothing short of a miracle. A horrific storm lasting at least two weeks caused indescribable anguish. One verse is especially descriptive: "Since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned." (Acts 27:20).
But God was in the midst of the storm. Paul declared, "I urge you to keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, saying, `Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.' Therefore, keep up your courage, men, for I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told." (Acts 27:22-25)
When things seemed darkest God intervened with a message of reassurance and hope. Resolute in faith, Paul offered confident reassurance to those who had gradually abandoned all hope of being saved.
This present age is a storm of increasing intensity. A pervading darkness has caused many to give up all hope of being saved. Assumed securities and comforts are being stripped away and the unsteady anchor which many have relied on is proving to be of little value.
Amidst the storm of this age comes a message of assurance for all who will believe. A new age is coming, full of hope and possibilities. The dead will live again, the crippled will run, the deaf will hear, the blind see. Unemployment and financial hardships will be forgotten concepts as all its citizens find meaningful and fulfilling roles in the government of Jesus the Christ.
We are the 'Pauls' of our age who are given a confident and reassuring message to all threatened by today's storms. All who believe and accept can embrace this hope and see the possibilities that exist beyond the storm.
God is in the midst of the storm. Embrace and declare your hope to a storm-weary world.
Steve
posted by steve @ 9:23 AM
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